February
1 (Atlanta, GA) -- Michael J.
Moore, United States Attorney for the Middle
District of Georgia, announced that Michael
Howard, age 43, former chief of police
in Talbotton, Georgia, entered a plea of
guilty to a one count indictment charging
him with False Statements, in violation
of Title 18 United States Code, Section
1001.

During
his guilty plea, Howard admitted that on
or about June 22, 2011, he did knowingly
and willfully make a false, fraudulent, and
fictitious material statement and representation
to a federal agent by denying that he was
aware that a known drug dealer had transported
narcotics through Talbot County, Georgia.
The informant told Howard he had $15,000.00
and would be traveling through Talbot County
for a drug transaction, asking if Howard
would be interested in helping him by providing
cover. Howard expressed interest in the transaction,
but declined due to the fact that he was
off duty and not wearing his uniform, and
therefore would not be of any assistance.
Howard, however, told the FBI that he had
not been shown the money, which was false
and he knew the statement to be false.

John
S. Comer, Acting Special Agent in Charge
of the Drug Enforcement Administration Atlanta
Field Division stated, “The vast majority
of law enforcement officers serve the public
with honor and distinction. This type of
activity tarnishes the badge of the committed
men and women of law enforcement.”

U.S.
Attorney Michael Moore stated that, “No
one is above the law. The public trust that
those who wear the badge uphold is sacred,
and violations of that trust are inexcusable
and will be prosecuted.”

The
defendant faces a maximum penalty of a five
years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000.00,
or both, and up to three years supervised
release, and a mandatory assessment fee of
$100.00. Sentencing is scheduled for April
25, 2012.

The
investigation was conducted by Agents of
the Drug Enforcement Administration, the
Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the
Georgia Bureau of Investigation.